Feeding apparatus for printing machines



1967 G. RITZERFELD FEEDING APPARATUS FOR PRINTING MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 27, 1965 lnqzentor: lrhardz ITZERFELP FEEDING APPARATUS FOR PRINTING MACHINES Filed July 27,-1965 3 Sheets-Sheet.

Aug. 15, 1-967 G. RITZERFELD 3,335,662

FEEDING APPARATUS FOR PRINTING MACHINES Filed July 27, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 F ig.4

A lnvehtor: mm 'KWRW W WWW United States Patent 20 Claims. (Cl. 101-235 The present invention relates to feeding apparatus for a printing machine, and more particularly to apparatus for starting a printing operation only when a copy sheet has been placed in the correct feeding position.

It is known to provide feeler contacts which effect starting of the printing machine when a copy sheet is fed to the machine. However, this arrangement has the disadvantage that the position of the copy sheet depends on the speed or force at which the copy sheet is manually fed. The printing operation is started even if the copy sheets are inserted at an angle to the transporting rollers. Other devices of the prior art provide feelers or photoelectric sensing means for sensing the leading edge of the fed copy sheet. These arrangements have the disadvantage to be speed dependent, and the copy sheet must be provided with black marks which are sensed by the photoelectric sensing means.

Other devices of the prior art sense the bulge of a fed copy sheet, and have the disadvantage that they do not respond to stiff copy sheets, such as punchcards which do not form a substantial bulge.

It is one object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art devices, and to provide a feeding arrangement which assures the feeding of copy sheets in the correct feeding position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeding apparatus which can be used for all kinds of copy sheets.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeding apparatus for starting a printing machine only if a copy sheet is fed in a desired feeding position forming a bulge of predetermined size.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeding apparatus including photoelectric sensing means which respond to blank copy sheets and do not require copy sheets with printed non-reflecting marks thereon.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeding apparatus which starts a printing operation only if a copy sheet has been placed in a feeding position in which its leading edge is located along a line perpendicular to the feeding direction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeding apparatus of compact construction which is disposed on the printing machine in such a manner as not to interfere with the actions of the operator of the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feeding apparatus which automatically indicates when the printing machine has completed a printing operation and is ready to receive the next fed copy sheet.

With these objects in view the present invention relates to a feeding apparatus for starting a printing operation only if the copy sheet has been placed by the operator in a correct feeding position forming a bulge of a desired size. The copy sheet is placed on the surface of a supporting table and guided until its leading edge engages the transporting rollers. A slight pressure by the operator forms a bulge in the copy sheet. In order to be properly fed, the bulge must be located a predetermined distance from the surface of the supporting table.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a source of light is placed in such a position as to direct a beam of light into the region of the bulge so that a portion of the bulge reflects the light. A photocell is located in the direction in which the light is reflected and is energized only if the copy sheet is in the desired feeding position. The impulse produced by the photocell causes the start of a printing operation of the printing machine, and rotation of the transporting rollers which transport the copy sheet to the printing means of the machine.

The source of light and the photocell are mounted on the supporting table located in a plane perpendicular to the supporting surface and parallel to the leading edge of the copy sheet, spaced from the same such a distance that the beam of light emitted from the source falls onto the center portion of the bulge, and is reflected by the same into the photocell. The beam of light and the direction in which the photocell is adapted to receive light define a certain angle at whose apex the bulge is located if a copy sheet is in the correct feeding position. It is advantageous to focus the beam of light onto the region in which the bulge is properly located and to provide the photocell with a lens focussed on the bulge so that the photocell is energized only if the reflecting center portion of the bulge is located within a small range of distances spaced from the supporting surface so that a copy sheet is only transported if the bulge has the desired size. Since the position of the leading edge of the copy sheet in relation to the transporting rollers is also of importance for assuring transport of the copy sheet in the correct position, the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a pair of feelers having engaging portions disposed along a line perpendicular to the feeding and transporting direction. Only if the leading edge of the copy sheet simultaneously engages both engaging portions of the feelers, the operation of the printing machine can be started. This is accomplished by a switch in the circuit of an electromagnetic means which causes starting of the drive means of a machine.

It is advantageous to energize the source of light of the photoelectric sensing means only in a predetermined position of the printing machine after a printing operation has been performed and the machine has been stopped. In this manner, a new copy sheet can be fed to the machine only when the machine is ready for a printing operation.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view illustrating a photoelectric sensing means according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating on em bodiment of the feeding apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a printing machine provided with the feeding apparatus of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the electric circuit of the apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, the housing 1 of the photoelectric sensing means has inner cavities 2 and 6 in which a source of light in the form of an electric lamp 3, and a photocell 7 are mounted. A guide channel 5 extends from cavity 1 at an acute angle to a guide channel 9 which extends from cavity 6. The light of lamp 3 passes through a lens 4 and is focussed on the plane of symmetry between the tWo guide channels. The point 10 where the axes of the guide channels 5 and 9 intersect in the plane of symmetry is a focus which has inner and outer limits 11 and 12.

When a reflecting surface perpendicular to the plane of symmetry is placed in focus 10, or within the limits of 3 the focal points 11 and 12, the beam of light emitted by lamp 3 in the direction of the guide channel 5 is reflected in the direction of guide channel 9* and passes through a lens 8 into the photocell 7 where it produces an impulse.

The position of points 10 to 12 depends on the distance between lamp 3 and photocell 7, on the angles of the guide channels 5 and 9, and on the area of the cross sections of guide channels 5 and 9.

If a reflecting surface is placed outside of the limits 11 and 12, the light reflected by the surface cannot reach photocell 7.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a supporting table 13 whose upper supporting surface is slightly inclined to a horizontal plane has a forward end located in the region of a pair of transporting rollers 16 and 19 which are mounted, respectively, on shafts 17 and 20 in such a manner as to permit a slight displacement of the transporting rollers. The photoelectric sensing means 1 is located below the supporting table 13 and secured to the same. Lamp 3, guide channels 5 and 9, and photocell 7 are located in cavities 2 and 6 in a plane which is perpendicular to the supporting surface of table 13 and parallel to the axes 1'7 and 20 of the transporting rollers 16 and 19. Points 10, 11, and 12 are located in this plane. Support table 13 has openings registering with guide channels 5 and 9' so that light emitted by lamp 3 can illuminate a copy sheet 21 on the surface of supporting table 13. A copy sheet 21 is placed by the operator on the supporting surface and pushed toward transporting rollers 16 and 19 while the copy sheet passes in flat condition across the openings in the supporting table, and the beam of light emitted through guide channel 5. However, since the lower surface of the flat copy sheet is not located between the points 11 and 12, no light can be reflected by the copy sheet into guide channel 9 to reach photocell 7. When copy sheet 21 is further pushed, a bulge 21a is formed whose highest center portion is at first located below point 11 so that photocell 7 is not energized. When the bulge reaches its proper size, assumed to be located Within a range defined by points 11 and 12, the lower surface of the center portion of the bulge reflects light into guide channel 9 so that the photocell 7 is energized and produces an impulse. This impulse is used for starting a printing operation of a printing machine and rotation of transporting rollers 16 and 19 so that the copy sheet is transported to assume a printing position. Since an impulse is created by the photocell 7 only if the copy sheet is in a desired correct feeding position forming a bulge of a predetermined size, only correctly positioned copy sheets can be transported to the printing means of the machine, and be imprinted. A guide member 22 has a lower guide face positioned at a predetermined angle to the surface of supporting table 13, so that it is not possible to form a bulge whose highest center portion is located outside of point 12. Consequently, the operator simply forms a bulge by pushing against the copy sheet, and when a bulge having the required minimum size is formed, the reflecting center portion of the bulge is located above point 11 and the machine is started, while it is not possible to de-energize the photocell prematurely by forming a bulge whose center portion is located outside of point 12 where it cannot reflect light into photocell 7.

However, it is possible to insert a copy sheet in a position in which only one corner of its leading edge abuts transporting rollers 16, 19, and causes formation of an irregular bulge which is nevertheless located between points 11 and 12 and causes energization of photocell 6, and start of the printing operation with an improperly positioned copy sheet.

This is prevented by a pair of feeler levers and 15a which are turnable about a shaft 14 and spaced in axial direction from each other such a distance as to engage the leading edge of any copy sheet used in the respective printing machine.

Peelers 15 and 1511 have part-circular engaging portions 15' cooperating with the copy sheets and being located in circular grooves 16a of transporting rollers 16 which is covered with a rubber sleeve. Counterweights 18 are secured to the other arms of feeler levers 15, 15a and urge the same to turn in clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, to a position in which the engaging portions 15 abut transporting roller 19 which is made of steel. In this manner, a circuit is closed by each feeler arm 13 which is interrupted when the leading edge portion of the copy sheet passes between transporting rollers 19 and 16. If a leading edge is in an oblique position, the electric contact between only one feeler and transporting roller 19 is interrupted, while the other engaging portion closes a circuit in which the respective feeler and transporting roller 19 are located.

Referring now to the lower portion of FIG. 4, it will be seen that feelers 15 and 15a with engaging contact portions 15 are connected in parallel and close the circuit of an electromagnetic means 41 when engaging the transporting roller 19. A source of voltage is connected to the points 50 and 51.

A relay contact means 49 is also connected in parallel with feelers 15 and 15a and transporting roller 19 and in series with electromagnetic means 41. Relay contact means 49 is operated by a relay 48 which is connected by an amplifier 45 to the photocell 7. An alternating current supplied by a source 47 is transformed by rectifier 46 into direct current and supplied through a switch contact 58 to the source of light 3, to amplifier 45, to terminals 50 and 51, and to terminals 53 and 54. An electromagnetic means 27 is connected in series with a switch 56 controlled by electromagnetic means 41.

Referring now to FIG. 3 which illustrates a duplicating machine provided with the feeding arrangement of the invention, a printing roller 33 carrying a duplicating master is secured to a shaft 25 on which a chain wheel 24, and a toothed coupling wheel 23 are mounted for free rotation. Chain wheel 24 with coupling wheel 23 is continuously rotated by a chain 26 driven by a motor, not shown. A coupling pawl 31 is mounted on a pivot 34 carried by the printing roller 33, and is urged by a spring 32 to engage a recess of coupling wheel 23. An operating lever member 28 is mounted on a stationary pivot 29 for angular movement between the position shown in FIG. 3 in which the end of operating member 28 engages a projection 30 of coupling pawl 31 and holds the coupling pawl in the retracted illustrated position in which coupling 31, 23 is disengaged. In this position, coupling pawl 30 abuts a stop 36 secured to printing roller 33. A spring 44 urges operating member 28 to turn in counterclockwise direction until abutting stop 35 in the position illustrated in FIG. 3.

An electromagnetic means 27 has an armature 27a pivotally connected with operating member 28 so that the same is turned in clockwise direction releasing coupling pawl 30, 31 when electromagnetic means 27 is energized.

Armature 27a is also connected by pivot 40 to a lever 38 which is mounted for pivotal movement on a pin 37 carried by the machine housing. An angular locking member 39 is also mounted on pivot pin 40, and cooperates with a member 42 mounted on a pin 43 and connected to the armature of another electromagnetic means 41. Switch 56 which is connected in series with electromagnetic means 27, as explained with reference to FIG. 4, is operated by member 42 of electromagnetic means 41.

FIG. 3 also shows transporting rollers 16 and 19, feelers 15, 15a, supporting table 13, guide member 22, and photoelectric sensing means 1 as described with reference to FIG. 2. A counter-pressure roller 33a cooperates with printing roller 33 in the usual manner. A cam 57 is secured to printing roller 33 and has a recessed peripheral portion. A control switch 58 has a cam follower portion 58a cooperating with the peripheral cam track of cam 57, and being connected in series with lamp 3 of I? 0.3 the photoelectric sensing means 1, as shown in FIG. 4.

When a copy sheet 21 is placed on the top surface of supporting table 13, and pushed by the operator towards transporting rollers 16 and 19, the leading edge of the copy sheet is engaged by the transporting rollers so that a bulge 21a forms in a portion of the copy sheet located above the openings in the supporting table which are connected to the guide channels and 9 of the photoelectric sensing means 1. When the bulge assumes its desired size in which its center portion is located above point 11, sufficient light is reflected into guide channel 9 to energize photocell 7 so that the same produces an impulse which is amplified by amplifier 45 and supplied to relay 48 which opens relay contact means 49 which is connected in series with electromagnetic means 41.

However, as long as the leading edge of the copy sheet has not separated the engaging contact portions 15 from the conductive transporting roller 19, voltage from terminals 50 and 51 is still supplied through transporting roller 19 and feelers 15, 15a to the electromagnetic means 41 so that switch 56 remains open. Assuming that only one portion of the leading edge has been advanced far enough to separate the engaging contact portion 15 of only one feeler, the other feeler will still be in contact ,with transporting roller 19 and hold electromagnetic means 41 in energized condition. When the leading edge of a copy sheet is in the correct position parallel to the axes of a transporting roller both engaging contact portions 15 are separated from the transporting roller 19 and if a control impulse was given by the photoelectric sensing means, all three parallel connections between terminals 50 and 51 are interrupted, and electromagnetic means 41 is de-energized so that a spring acting on armature member 42 of electromagnetic means 41 turns member 42 to a position closing switch 56, as best seen in FIG. 3, so that electromagnetic means 27 is energized, as best seen in FIG. 4.

The energized electromagnetic means 27 pulls its armature 27a down so that operating member 28 is turned a small angle in clockwise direction against the action of spring 44 and releases stop nose 30 of coupling pawl 31 which is turned by spring 32 to a position engaging a recess in coupling wheel 23 so that the coupling means 23, 31 is engaged and printing roller 33 is rotated by the driven chain wheel 24.

Transporting roller 16 is connected by a gear train, not shown, with printing roller 33 so that transporting roller 16 transports the copy sheet together with transporting roller 19 over a guide plate to the bight between the printing roller 33 and the counter-pressure roller 33a.

During this transporting movement, the bulge 21a is flattened so that photocell 7 is no longer energized since no light is reflected by the copy sheet when the same is located below point 11. Consequently, relay 48 is deenergized, and relay contact 4 closes and electromagnetic means 41 is energized.

Switch 56 opens and electromagnetic means 27 is deenergized so that its spring urges armature 27 upward whereby operating member 28 is turned in counterclockwise direction to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 in which its end is located in the circular path of movement of stop nose 30. When printing roller 33 has completed one revolution, stop nose 30 engages operating member 28 and is turned by the same against the action of spring 32 to the disengaged position in which the printing roller is no longer driven and stops. 1

As long as electromagnetic means 41 is energized, even accidental closing of switch 56 caiinot cause start of a printing operation, since the locking means 37 to 40, and 42 block downward movement of armature 27a.

In order to prevent an irregular operation in which a new copy sheet is fed by the operator before the printing roller has completed one revolution and has stopped, switch 58 is connected in series with the lamp 3 of the photoelectric sensing means. As long as cam follower 58a rides on the circular peripheral portion of cam 57, switch 58 is open. Shortly before the printing roller 33 arrives in its normal position of rest, cam follower 58a passes into the recessed peripheral portion of cam 57 and closes switch 58 so that the photoelectric sensing means is rendered operative. When printing roller 33 stops, cam follower 58a is still located in the recess, and switch 58 is closed. When a copy sheet is fed and the next printing revolution started, cam follower 58a is again operated to open switch 58 so that the photoelectric sensing means is rendered inoperative even if light is in some manner reflected toward the photocell 7 after the bulge of the copy sheet has been flattened by the transporting rollers.

At the same time, the light emitted by lamp 3 can be observed by the operator before he places a copy sheet 21 on the support table 13, so that this light indicates that a printing operation has been completed, and a new operation may be started by feeding a copy sheet.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of apparatus for sensing the position of a fed copy sheet differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a feeding apparatus for starting a printinf machine when sensing a bulge of predetermined size on a fed copy sheet, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic orspecific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising means having a supporting surface for guiding a supplied copy sheet; means for engaging the leading edge of the copy sheet so that the same forms a bulge having a portion located substantially at a predetermined distance spaced from said surface only if the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means including a source of light for directing a beam of light into the region in which said bulge of said copy sheet is positioned so that said bulge reflects the light beam, and said copy sheet only if a bulge is formed, a photocell positioned for receiving the reflected beam only if the same is reflected by said bulge when the same is located substantially at said predetermined distance whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only when said copy sheet is in said desired feeding position thereof; and means actuated by said control impulse for starting a printing operation of said printing machine.

2. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets comprising means having a supporting surface for guiding a supplied copy sheet; transporting means for engaging the leading edge of the copy sheet so that the same forms: a bulge having a center portion located substantially at a predetermined distance spaced from said surface only if the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means located in the proximity of said surface on one side of said copy sheet in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge, said sensing means including a source of light, means for directing a beam of light into the region in which said bulge of said copy sheet is positioned so that said bulge reflects the light beam, and a photocell positioned for receiving the reflected beam only if the same is reflected by said bulge when the same is located substantially at said predetermined distance whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only when said copy sheet is in said desired feeding position thereof; drive means for said printing machine and for driving said transporting means; means for starting said drive means including a first electromagnetic means and a switch in the circuit of the same, a second electromagnetic means having a movable armature and having an actuated condition for closing said switch, and relay means actuated by said control impulse and including relay contact means located in the circuit of said second electromagnetic means so that said printing machine is started when said copy sheet is in the desired feeding position.

3. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising means having a supporting top surface for guiding a supplied copy sheet; transporting means located along a line for engaging the leading edge of the copy sheet so that the same forms a bulge having a center portion located substantially at a predetermined distance spaced from and above said surface only if the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; slanted guide means upwardly and rearwardly projecting from said table for guiding the leading portion of the copy sheet to form a bulge of a desired size; sensing means located in the proximity of said surface below said copy sheet in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge parallel to said line, said sensing means including a source of light, means for directing a beam of light into the region in which said bulge of said copy sheet is positioned so that said bulge reflects the light beam, and said copy sheet only if a bulge is formed, a photocell positioned for receiving the reflected beam only if the same is reflected by said bulge when the same is located substantially at said predetermined distance whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only when said copy sheet is in said desired feeding position thereof; and means actuated by said control impulse for starting a printing operation of said printing machine and for starting said transporting means.

4. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising means having a supporting surface for guiding a supplied copy sheet; transporting means for engaging the leading edge of the copy sheet so that the same forms a bulge having a portion located in a predetermined region spaced from said surface only if the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means including a source of light for directing a beam of said source into said region so that the same is reflected by said portion of said bulge only if the copy sheet is in said desired feeding position, and a photocell positioned for receiving the beam only if the same is reflected in said region whereby said photocell produces a control impulse; a pair of feelers located in the region of said transporting means for engaging two spaced points of the leading edge of said copy sheet in said feeding position; means operable by both said feelers to be actuated only when both said feelers are engaged by the leading edge of the copy sheet; and means actuated by said control impulse and by said last mentioned actuated means for starting a printing operation of said printing machine.

5. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising means having a supporting surface for guiding a supplied copy sheet; transporting means located along a line for engaging the leading edge of the copy sheet so that the same forms a bulge having a center portion located in a predetermined region spaced from said surface only if the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means located in the proximity of said surface on one side of said copy sheet in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge parallel to said line, said sensing means including a source of light, means for directing a beam of said source into said region so that the same is reflected by said center portion of said bulge only if the copy sheet is in said desired feeding position, and a photocell positioned for receiving the beam only if the same is reflected in said region whereby said photocell produces a control impulse; a pair of feelers located in the region of said transporting means on said line for engaging two spaced points of the leading edge of said copy sheet in said feeding position; means operable by both said feelers to be actuated only when both said feelers are engaged by the leading edge of the copy sheet; and means actuated by said control impulse and by said last mentioned actuated means for starting a printing operation of said printing machine.

6. In a printing machine as claimed in claim 1, in combination, a switch actuating means driven by said printing machine in synchronism with the same; and switch means controlled by said switch actuating means and connected with said source for energizing the same only in a predetermined position of said printing machine.

7. In a printing machine as claimed in claim 2, in combination, a switch actuating means driven by said printing machine in synchronism with the same; and switch means controlled by said switch actuating means and connected with said source for energizing the same only in a predetermined position of said printing machine.

8. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for manually feeding copy sheets, comprising means having a supporting top surface for guiding a supplied copy sheet; transporting means for engaging the leading edge of the fed copy sheet so that the same forms a bulge having a portion located substantially at a predetermined distance above and spaced from said surface only if the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means including a source of light, means for directing at a predetermined angle to said surface upwardly a beam of light into the region in which said bulge of said copy sheet is positioned so that said bulge reflects the light beam, and a photocell having guide means extending downwardly at said last mentioned angle and being positioned below said top surface for receiving the beam only if the same is downwardly reflected by said bulge when the same is substantially located at said predetermined distance whereby said photocell produces a control impulse; and means actuated by said control impulse for starting a printing operation of said printing machine.

9. In a printing machine, as claimed in claim 8, said sensing means including lens means for focussing a beam of said source into said region.

10. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising a feeding table having a supporting surface; transporting roller means mounted at the forward end of said surface for engaging the leading edge of a copy sheet moved along said surface so that the copy sheet forms a bulge having a center portion located substantially at a predetermined distance in a predetermined region above said surface when the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means mounted on said table below said surface in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge, and including a source of light, means for directing a beam of light of said source upwardly at an angle into said region, a photocell, and means extending at said angle to said surface for receiving the beam of light downwardly reflected by said center portion of said bulge only when said center portion of said bulge is substantially located at said distance in said feeding position of said copy sheet and for directing the beam to said photocell whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only if the copy sheet is in said feeding position; and means actuated by said control impulse for starting the operation of said transporting roller means.

11. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising a feeding table having a supporting surface; transporting roller means mounted at the forward end of said surface for engaging the leading edge of a copy sheet moved along said surface so that the copy sheet forms a bulge having a center portion located in a predetermined region above said surface when the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means mounted on said table in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge, and including a source of light, means for directing a beam of said source at an angle into said region, a photocell, and means extending at said angle to said surface for receiving the beam of light reflected by said center portion of said bulge only in said feeding position of said copy sheet and for directing the beam to said photocell whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only if the copy sheet is in said feeding position; a pair of feelers located in the region of said transporting roller means and having feeler portions located along a line for engaging two spaced points of the leading edge of said copy sheet in said feeding position; means operable by both said feelers to be actuated only when both said feelers are engaged by the leading edge of the copy sheet; and means actuated by said control impulse and by said last-mentioned means when actuated, for starting the operation of said transporting roller means.

142. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising a feeding table having a supporting surface; transporting roller means mounted at the forward end of said surface for engaging the leading edge of a copy sheet moved along said surface so that the copy sheet forms a bulge having a center portion located in a predetermined region above said surface when the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means mounted on said table in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge, and including a source of light, a lens and a guide channel for directing a beam of said source at an angle into said region, a photocell, a guide channel extending at said angle to said surface and at an angle to said first mentioned guide channel for receiving the beam of light reflected by said center portion of said bulge only in said feeding position of said copy sheet and for directing the beam to said photocell, and another lens in said last-mentioned guide channel whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only if the copy sheet is in said feeding position; and means actuated by said control impulse for starting the operation of said transporting roller means.

13. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising a feeding table having a supporting surface; transporting roller means mounted at the forward end of said surface for engaging the leading edge of a copy sheet moved along said surface so that the copy sheet forms a bulge having a center portion located substantially at a predetermined distance in a predetermined region above said surface when the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means mounted on said table in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge, and including a source of light, means for directing a beam of light of said source at an angle into said region, a photocell, and means extending at said angle to said surface for receiving the beam of light reflected by said center portion of said bulge only when said center portion of said bulge is substantially located at said distance in said feeding position of said copy sheet and for directing the beam to said photocell whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only if the copy sheet is in said feeding position; drive means for said printing machine; one revolution coupling means con necting said drive means with said printing machine; an operating member for actuating said one revolution coupling means; means for actuating said operating member including electromagnetic means; and relay means actuated by said control impulse and including relay contact means located in the circuit of said electromagnetic means so that said printing machine is started when said copy sheet is in the desired feeding position.

14. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising a feeding table having a supporting surface; transporting roller means mounted at the forward end of said surface for engaging the leading edge of a copy sheet moved along said surface so that the copy sheet forms a bulge having a center portion located in a predetermined region above said surface when the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; sensing means mounted on said table in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge, and including a source of light, means for directing a beam of said source at an angle into said region, a photocell, and means extending at said angle to said surface for receiving the beam of light reflected by said center portion of said bulge only in said feeding position of said copy sheet and for directing the beam to said photocell whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only if the copy sheet is in said feeding position; drive means for said printing machine; one revolution coupling means connecting said drive means with said printing machine; an operating member for actuating said one revolution coupling means; and means for actuating said operating member including a first electromagnetic means and a switch in the circuit of the same, a second electromagnetic means having a movable armature and having an actuated condition for closing said switch, and relay means actuated by said control impulse and including relay contact means located in the circuit of said second electromagnetic means so that said printing machine is started when said copy sheet is in the desired feeding position.

15. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising a feeding table having a supporting surface; transporting roller means mounted at the forward end of said surface for engaging the leading edge of a copy sheet moved along said surface so that the copy sheet forms a bulge having a center portion located in a predetermined region above said surface when the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position; said transporting roller means including two rollers, one of said rollers having a conductive surface; sensing means mounted on said table in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge, and including a source of light, means for directing a beam of said source at an angle into said region, a photocell, and means extending at said angle to said surface for receiving the beam of light reflected by said center portion of said bulge only in said feeding position ofsaid copy sheet and for directing the beam to said photocell whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only if the copy sheet is in said feeding position; a pair of feelers located in the region of said transporting rollers and having a pair of contact portions located along a line for engaging two spaced points of said conductive roller or two spaced points of the leading edge of said copy sheet in said feeding position; first electromagnetic means and a switch in the circut of the same for starting said printing machine, a second electromagnetic means having an actuated condition for closing said switch; relay means acuated by said control impulse and including relay contact means connected in series with said second electromagnetic means, and in parallel with said feeler contact portions and said conductive transporting roller so that said printing machine is started when said copy sheet is in the desired feeding position.

16. In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising a feeding table having a supporting surface; transporting roller means mounted at the forward end of said surface for en- I 11 gaging the leading edge of a copy sheet moved along said surf-ace so that the copy sheet forms a bulge having a center portion located in a predetermined region above said surface when the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position, said transporting roller means including a pair of transporting rollers one of which is conductive; sensing means mounted on said table in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge, and including a source of light, means for directing a beam of said source at an angle into said region, a photocell, and means extending at said angle to said surface for receiving the beam of light reflected by said cen ter portion of said bulge only in said feeding position of said copy sheet and for directing the beam to said photocell whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only if the copy sheet is in said feeding position; a pair of feelers located in the region of said transporting rollers and having a pair of contact portions located along a line parallel to the axes of said transporting rollers for engaging two spaced points of said conductive roller or two spaced points of the leading edge of said copy sheet in said feeding position; drive means for said printing machine; one revolution coupling means connecting said drive means with said printing machine; an operating member for actuating said one revolution coupling means; and means for actuating said operating member including a first electromagnetic means and a switch in the circuit of the same, a second electromagnetic means having an actuated condition for closing said switch; relay means actuated by said control impulse and including relay contact means connected in series with said second electromagnetic means and in parallel with said contact portions of said feelers and said conductive transporting roller so that said coupling means is engaged and said printing machine is started to perform a revolution only when said copy sheet is in the desired feeding position.

17. 'In a printing machine, in combination, a feeding apparatus for feeding copy sheets, comprising a feeding table having a supporting surface; transporting roller means mounted at the forward end of said surface for engaging the leading edge of a copy sheet moved along said surface so that the copy sheet forms a bulge having a center portion located in a predetermined region above said surface when the copy sheet is in a desired feeding position, said transporting roller means including a pair of transporting rollers one of which is conductive; sensing means mounted on said table in a plane transverse to said surface passing through said center portion of said bulge, and including a source of light, a lens and a guide channel for directing a beam of said source at an angle into said region, a photocell, and a lens and guide channel extending at said angle to said surface and at an angle to said first mentioned guide channel for receiving the beam of light reflected by said center portion of said bulge only in said feeding position of said copy sheet and for directing the beam to said photocell whereby said photocell produces a control impulse only if the copy sheet is in said feeding position; a pair of feelers located in the region of said transporting rollers and having a pair of contact portions located along a line parallel to the axes of said transporting rollers for engaging two spaced points of said conductive roller or two spaced points of the leading edge of said copy sheet in said feeding position; drive means for said printing machine; one revolution coupling means connecting said drive means with said printing machine; an operating member for actuating said one revolution coupling means; and means for actuating said operating member including a first electromagnetic means and switch in the circuit of the same, a second electromagnetic means having an actuated condition for closing said switch; relay means actuated by said control impulse and including relay contact means connected parallel with said contact portions of said feelers and said conductive transporting roller so that said coupling means is engaged and said printing machine is started to perform a revolution only when said copy sheet is in the desired feeding position.

18. In a printing machine as claimed in claim 10, in combination, a switch actuating means driven by said printing machine in synchronism with the same; and switch means controlled by said switch actuating means and connected with said source for energizing the same only in a predetermined position of said printing machine.

19. In a printing machine as claimed in claim 10, in combination, a rotary cam driven by said printing machine in synchronism with the same; and switch means including a cam follower cooperating with said rotary cam so that said switch means is closed when said printing machine is in a home position, said switch means being connected with said source of light for energizing the same only in said home position of said printing machine.

20. An apparatus as set forth in claim 14 and including locking means connected with said first electromagnetic means for locking said operating member in a position in which said one revolution coupling means couples said drive means with said printing machine, said locking means being released by said second electromagnetic means when the same assumes an inoperative position opening said switch.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,903,965 9/1959 Eichenbaum et al. 101235 3,216,351 11/1965 Ritzerfeld et al. 101-235 ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner.

WILLIAM F. MCCARTHY, 1a., Examiner. 

1. IN A PRINTING MACHINE, IN COMBINATION, A FEEDING APPARATUS FOR FEEDING COPY SHEETS, COMPRISING MEANS HAVING A SUPPORTING SURFACE FOR GUIDING A SUPPLIED COPY SHEET; MEANS FOR ENGAGING THE LEADING EDGE OF THE COPY SHEET SO THAT THE SAME FORMS A BULGE HAVING A PORTION LOCATED SUBSTANTIALLY AT A PREDETERMINED DISTANCE SPACED FROM SAID SURFACE ONLY IF THE COPY SHEET IS IN A DESIRED FEEDNG POSITION; SENSING MEANS INCLUDING A SOURCE OF LIGHT FOR DIRECTING A BEAM OF LIGHT INTO THE REGION IN WHICH SAID BULGE OF SAID COPY SHEET IS POSITIONED SO THAT SAID BULGE REFLECTS THE LIGHT BEAM, AND SAID COPY SHEET ONLY IF A BULGE IS FORMED, A PHOTOCELL POSITIONED SO THAT SAID THE REFLECTED BEAM ONLY IF THE SAME IS REFLECTED BY SAID BULGE WHEN THE SAME IS LOCATED SUBSTANTIALLY AT SAID PREDETERMINED DISTANCE WHEREBY SAID PHOTOCELL PRODUCES A CONTROL IMPULSE ONLY WHEN SAID COPY SHEET IS IN SAID DESIRED FEEDING POSITION THEREOF; AND MEANS ACTUATED BY SAID CONTROL IMPULSE FOR STARTING A PRINTING OPERATION OF SAID PRINTING MACHINE. 